Year 1 and 2

In Year 1 and Year 2, the children have Computing lessons taught by the Head of Computing, with support from their form teacher and teaching assistant. They are introduced to sound, graphics, presentation, animation, text and data handling, as well as simple programming and simulations.

Online safety is an integral part of the curriculum, with a strong emphasis on developing safe and responsible digital behaviours both in school and at home. Learning is supported by a fully equipped computer suite, class sets of iPads and laptops, and interactive whiteboards in every classroom, allowing technology to be embedded across the wider curriculum.

We aim to develop pupils’ literacy and communication skills, enabling them to express themselves creatively and effectively through speaking and writing. Pupils explore a wide range of texts, develop a love of reading, and are encouraged to transfer their skills across the curriculum.

Many of the key English skills are taught through the ‘Phonics Shed’, a synthetic phonics programme which aims to instil a love of reading and writing through a stimulating environment. This enables each pupil to progress in reading and writing letter sounds at a pace that is suitable for the individual and thereby decode efficiently and write with growing confidence.

At Warwick Prep, we aim to inspire a love of the French language and culture while building confidence and fluency from an early age. In Year 1 and Year 2, pupils are taught by a specialist native speaker, beginning with weekly lessons focused on speaking and listening through games, songs and interactive activities.

We aim to inspire curiosity about our planet and the impact humans have on its fragile environment. Pupils develop geographical skills and knowledge through stimulating topics while building map skills and understanding patterns, processes and sustainability.

Learning takes place both in and out of the classroom, using maps, atlases, aerial photographs and ICT to explore, investigate and answer questions about the world around them.

We aim to inspire a love of History and the wonder of the past. Pupils explore exciting and engaging topics that spark curiosity, imagination and a deeper understanding, helping them uncover the stories, drama and discoveries that have shaped our society.

We believe Maths is for everyone. Our aim is to provide high-quality teaching and engaging learning experiences that develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving, while fostering confidence, enjoyment and independence. Pupils are challenged with rich problems, encouraged to share their ideas and supported to develop collaborative and independent thinking, preparing them with the skills and understanding they need for everyday life.

Music plays a central role at Warwick Prep, bringing people together and offering opportunities to perform, create and communicate. Pupils in Year 1 and Year 2 are taught by specialist teachers in our state-of-the-art music school, exploring a wide range of instruments and genres.

We focus on engaging pupils with singing games and activities while introducing them to both tuned and untuned percussion instruments. In Year 2, all pupils participate in the String Project, where each child learns to play the violin, cello, or double bass during their weekly class music lessons.

Physical Education inspires a love of sport and physical activity while building skill, confidence and good sportsmanship. Pupils are encouraged to do their best, both individually and in teams, learning to win and to accept losing.

In Year 1 and Year 2, lessons are active, varied and full of fun. From climbing and balancing in the Sports Hall to scoring goals on the Astro Turf, children develop confidence, coordination and teamwork. We practise skills such as throwing, catching, running and jumping, enjoy mini tennis, gymnastics, rugby and netball and explore movement through dance and yoga.

Pupils swim as part of the curriculum in Year 1 and Year 2 for a minimum of one term. In addition, all pupils can opt for swimming lessons at any point throughout the school during the year.

The aim of Religious Education at Warwick Prep is to help pupils understand the nature of religion, belief and practice, fostering tolerance, respect and an appreciation of different cultures and faiths. Pupils both learn about religions and learn from them, developing reflection and understanding.

Religious Education is taught as a discrete subject throughout the school and is delivered through a range of engaging and accessible teaching approaches, including stories, discussion, research, video clips and creative activities. These varied methods support pupils in exploring key themes and expressing their understanding through writing, role play and artistic response.

Science is central to understanding the world around us, and at Warwick Prep we reflect its importance in everyday life through engaging and practical learning.

In Year 1 and Year 2, the children begin exploring and discovering the world around them. The emphasis is on practical Science with many opportunities for hands-on challenges and momentous experiences, from floating boats to melting chocolate, making monster slime and observing chickens hatch.

PSHEE (Personal, Health, Social and Economic Education) at Warwick Prep supports pupils’ personal, social and emotional development, equipping them with the skills they need to manage everyday life, build positive relationships, develop values and take increasing responsibility as they grow. While pupils have a dedicated PSHEE lesson each week, these principles are embedded throughout school life.

All pupils follow the Jigsaw PSHEE programme, which is taught at an age-appropriate level across all year groups. The Jigsaw programme follows a progressive, spiral approach, ensuring that learning from previous years is revisited, developed and extended, with new knowledge, skills and understanding introduced as pupils mature.

Each year, pupils explore six core themes:

· Autumn Term: Being Me in My World and Celebrating Difference

· Spring Term: Dreams and Goals and Healthy Me

· Summer Term: Relationships and Changing Me

We have a dedicated Pre-Prep Library and a larger Prep Library which both offer a warm and inviting hub of learning and resources, supporting all areas of the curriculum and pupils’ personal interests. The Libraries house a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, with pupils’ recommendations carefully considered when new books are purchased.